When last we left the conversation with comic actor/director/producer Patrick Schmitz, he was discussing the possible misconceptions involved in the title of his preternaturally successful holiday show Rudolph the Pissed-Off Reindeer. He is concerned that people may come to a show with that title may give people the idea that Rudolph would be going on a murderous rampage. Patrick had clarified that while Rudolph does engage in homicide, the homicide in question would not be serious enough to constitute a murderous rampage per se . . .
CLARIFICATION {contains info about the story}
Me: . . . so this is pleasant, family friendly homicide.
Patrick Schmitz: Yes. Of course. There’s no swearing at all. I take pride in the fact that there’s no swearing. I put the title of “pissed-off,” instead of “upset,” or “angry.” I put ”pissed-off” in because to 9 or 10 year-olds, that’s a swear word. And that’s gonna keep them away. That’s going to keep the parents going, “oh, listen: . . . oh, wait . . . never mind. I didn’t read the last part of that.” So the title is going to make parents think, ”this isn’t a play I can bring little Timmy or Cindy to.” If I would’ve rated it, it would be PG-13, but I say “recommended for 16 and older,” just to be safe, because there’s death involved. There’s alcohol. There’s one adult humor comment that’s very subtle . . . I could take that out, but it’s such a funny little bit . . .
Stay on top of the news of the day
Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays.
Me: But people going in expecting more of a crass humor type thing . . .
Patrick Schmitz: Exactly. Exactly.
Me: But even South Park Imaginationland humorthat’s going too far.
Patrick Schmitz: mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yes. Definitely. And I had . . . someone concerned about the gore factor.
Me: [laugh]
Patrick Schmitz: Gore factor? What gore factor? I mean, I guess there is a little bit, but . . . not anything that’s going to make your stomach turn.
Me: And Rudolph committing homicide.
Patrick Schmitz: Yeah, Gunshots . . . gunshots, but no cutting-up people and shooting them to death. No emptying out an M-16 on somebody or anything. There’s none of that.
Next: Did I mention there are kids in the show? Patrick discusses working with child actors.
